Upscale take on street food makes the emerging Gateway Quarter district even tastier

Senate is the new place where the cool kids go, and I know why: It's fun, the menu doesn't take itself too seriously and its location is red hot. Senate's mission is to present upscale street food, and they've done a terrific job of planning a menu that's varied enough to suit most appetites but taken up a few notches so no one is disappointed.

Feasting at Findlay Market is time well spent

If you haven't been to Findlay Market lately, you're in for some surprises. Sure, if you're a home cook or even a professional chef, the market is a great place for fresh, local ingredients. Now more than ever, though, the market has become a place to eat, with ever expanding options for ready-to-eat meals, either at home or on the spot.

"Dear 'concept' restaurant: It isn't the diner's responsibility to be in tune with your fad, unless you want to appeal to only the few who knew ahead of time that you have a 'niche.' When a customer is visibly uncomfortable with your concept, offer guidance. Or kiss that customer goodbye forever. Can you afford to do that? No, not really."

Saturday lunch is one of the best meals of the week. Totally low key and relaxed, it's a break from running errands — or a chance to plan the rest of the day. For me, it's taqueria time. And luckily I've found two new spots that, while off the beaten path, make authentic, truly delicious, simple lunches.

The Dish brings you today's moments in optimism! Not all news is negative — no, no, no! Some of our favorite local dining spots are doing quite well, thank you, and expanding their operations. Here are updates on new locations for Bouchard's at Findlay Market and The Bonbonerie, Mr. Sushi opening downtown and chasing Cafe De Wheels through the city.

Instead of the bizarrely scripted sugar bombs with flavors not found in nature, most grown-ups go the expensive chocolate route for Valentine's Day. But since we’re talking cheesy anyway, why not go for the real thing? Le vrai fromage! I spoke to three local cheese experts for their take on Valentine cheese.

The Hitching Post and Ron's Roost face off in a fried chicken battle royale

Welcome to the East Side/West Side Crosstown Chicken Challenge, pitting two long-time legends against each other in a crispy smackdown! We're gathering buckets of golden brown deliciousness for a discerning crew of tasters to eat and rate. Napkin under your chin? Let's begin!

Carry-out lunch means fast food for many of my fellow downtown cubicle dwellers, but I stick to the indies. I have a few tried and trues nearby that I rely on, coincidentally all on Vine Street): Total Juice Plus, Mythos on the Square, Sunny Deli and Fred and Gari's.

What's old, new and different for the New Year? How about Ko-Sho, the sushi spot that was hidden on Ninth Street downtown, re-opening in Northside, Capri Tavola Calda opening downtown and Mullane's and Senate Restaurant getting ready to open in Over-the-Rhine.

Wrapping up the decade in dining and looking at what lies ahead

“The Aughts” never really caught on, and why would they? When we were freaking out in anticipation of Y2K, we thought our biggest problem might be a computer glitch. Now the TSA scans you down to your toe jams and the Arctic ice retreats faster than the value of your over-mortgaged starter home. But how about on the food front?